This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Continue
Learn More

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site.

To control third party cookies, you can also adjust your browser settings.

Erin Andrews Peephole Video leads to internet danger

March 16, 2010
Sophos Press Release

IT security and data protection firm Sophos is warning all
internet users to be wary of websites claiming to host a
controversial nude video of glamorous ESPN reporter Erin Andrews -
as hackers, spammers and scammers exploit renewed interest in the
story following the imprisonment of Miss Andrews' stalker.

Michael David Barrett was sent to jail for 2.5 years yesterday,
after secretly filming the US sports reporter through the peephole
of her hotel room door, without her knowledge or consent.

Opportunists and hackers are taking advantage of renewed
interest in the peephole video (which is currently the 6th most
searched for thing on the web) by creating webpages and links that
claim to contain the video, but are really traps designed to infect
and scam unsuspecting users.

"If you visit a site which claims to contain the Erin Andrews
Peephole Video you could be exposing yourself to malware (such as
fake anti-virus), spam and other scams," said Graham
Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "The scammers
are busy at work creating content designed to entrap those who go
hunting for sleazy videos."

As well as webpages, scores of uploads have been made to YouTube
since yesterday's jail sentence claiming to contain footage from
the controversial video.

Typically, when played the YouTube videos will display a message
saying that for copyright reasons they cannot show you the video -
but instead urge you to click a link to a third party site.

That link to a third party website may simply be designed to
drive traffic to a spam page, or lead to a page which asks you to
sign-up for a service, take a survey or carry malware.

"If you want to look at naked women, buy yourself an adult
magazine or get yourself a girlfriend. If you go hunting for this
kind of thing on the internet, don't be surprised if it's not just
your mind that ends up corrupted, but your computer too," continued
Cluley.

About Sophos

More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos’ complete security solutions as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Simple to deploy, manage, and use, Sophos’ award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, mobile and network security solutions are backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K., and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “SOPH.” More information is available at www.sophos.com/company.